[Lewenberg] Very rough few games for Gradey Dick. After a productive stretch, starter minutes vs some good/physical teams are taking a toll. He’ll be better for it in the long run – these are valuable reps to learn/grow. Not always easy to keep that perspective in the moment, though.
Very rough few games for Gradey Dick. After a productive stretch, starter minutes vs some good/physical teams are taking a toll. He'll be better for it in the long run – these are valuable reps to learn/grow. Not always easy to keep that perspective in the moment, though.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) March 21, 2024
by EarthWarping
11 Comments
I wonder if they put him back on the bench when they get guys back in the lineup.
he’s playing more on the wing where 3s are statistically harder, and none of our current players have any gravity on offense so there’s not many easy catch and shoot opportunities for Gradey.
not much else to it imo.
We saw this exact issue when he was playing on the 905. His production scales exactly alongside the level of talent and systems around him. He’s not someone who can create for himself and pop off for 30+ points, and that’s okay for a role player like him. Definitely has a long path of development ahead of him, and I hope he’ll pick up a few things that let’s him be productive independently during the summer (PLEASE add a handle in the future🤞).
Off the bench vs starter is a huge leap plus his usage went way up more than it should be
Totally understandable. He can’t create his own looks, doesn’t have much of a handle. He gets his stuff of the catch, in transition or from a cut.
When all the guys who attract a 2nd defender are gone, a guy like Gradey (with his current skills) is going to suffer.
Rookie or 5 year vet, doesn’t matter.
I said this when he got drafted, it’s going to take a year or two for him to be a rotational piece and hopefully a year or two more for him to be starting level, if he ever gets to that level.
A close comp to Gradey was Corey Kispert who also struggled a lot in his first year. Kispert was drafted at 22 while Dick is 20.
My favourite thing about the team going through this terrible run is that this sub has become so much more level headed. Earlier in this season struggles from Dick had people losing their minds talking about how Masai is washed and Dick is a bust.
Now, the crowd that remains seems to understand more about the long game that is developing young players.
The wagon is much lighter these days.
I know we drafted Gradey exclusively for his shooting, but man it looks bad with Keyontae George looking like not only the better shooter but also a way better defender and shot creator. Averaging 20 ppg for the Jazz the past month on great percentages. Dudes going to be an all-star someday
Not worried at all. We’ve seen how well he fits around playmakers around him. With a healthy BBQ playing he’ll be able to get open and become a spot up 3pt sniper and hopefully a great off the ball threat. He’s shown he has some passing ability too and has long arms to maybe play more in the passing lanes. I don’t think he’s got All Star upside but I don’t think he needs to be when we have guys like Scottie, and perennial all stars like RJ.
He’s also probably lost some of the muscle he’s gained because he’s been playing good minutes now and consistently.
Needs to add on muscle and get more explosive. Couple easily correctable things.
Kinda saw this in summer league already, all our shot creators (plus Jakob who is great for making the ball move) are out so his useage is up and is no longer able to utilize his off the catch game. I have no doubt the shooting will come back as soon as he gets to play with Scottie again, they were building really good chemistry since that Atlanta game. Its nice to see him attempt some flashy passes and learn to stay confident through this stretch. Good developmental minutes